joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news.

the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Recent Examples on the Web

On Saturday, Howard’s lawyer, Sam MacRoberts, of the Kansas Justice Institute, said Howard is relieved and joyful that his sign can stay. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026

Read Noah Haggerty’s joyful story about how this 51-acre piece of land along the Pacific Crest Trail will go back to the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

After Pan announced that Kiley had called him to concede, the attendees at his election night event at Frends Brewhouse erupted into joyful screams, applause and eventually chanted his name. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Last year’s was Holly Dolly Christmas (holiday hits from the late country music artist Dolly Parton); this year’s theme is Silver & Gold, described as a combination of festive favorites and joyful music. — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun